Sun products from MARIA ÅKERBERG only contain physical sunscreen. The substance we use is called Titanium Dioxide, which is a natural mineral. It stays on the skin’s surface and reflects the sun’s radiation, similar to a mirror. Titanium Dioxide is a safe ingredient to use, both for us and the planet we live on.
Many sunscreen products on today’s market contain physical sunscreens. But, unfortunately, even more contain chemical. Chemical sunscreens are proven to be destructive for the environment and are stored in bodily fluids and organs (!). This differs from physical sunscreens which stay on the skin’s surface.
In 2019, the FDA (the US Food and Drug Administration) conducted a study on sun filters. In this study, scientists found that four commonly used filters were absorbed through the skin into the body. The conclusion was that the plasma concentration of these chemicals exceeded the threshold of being safe to use. In addition, zinc oxide and titanium oxide were generally recognized as safe and effective. Read more here.
Our answers to some of the most common questions about sunscreens!
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens?
Mineral based sunscreens contain physical UV-filters in the form of natural minerals. There are two kinds - Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide. Both of these minerals stay on the skin’s surface and protect the skin by reflecting the sun's radiation much like small mirrors. Traditional sunscreens contain mostly chemical UV-filters. Some of the most common are Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isoamyl P-methoxycinnamate or Octocrylene. These chemicals are meant to protect against UV-rays by penetrating the skin and absorbing the radiation.
We want to offer natural protection against the sun and only use Titanium Dioxide in our sun protection products, which filters all of the damaging ultraviolet rays (UVA, UVB and UVC).
How do the sun’s rays work?
Out of all the sunrays reaching the earth, only 5% are ultraviolet radiation. However, these are incredibly powerful and they come in various forms - UVA, UVB and UVC. Historically, the ozone layer has blocked harmful UVC-rays from reaching the earth, but as pollution continues to thin this layer across the world, we will soon need to protect ourselves from UVC-rays too. Currently, however, UVA- and UVB- rays are the only ones that are determined to reach all the way down to the ground. UVA make up 95% of these rays and they basically go through everything. Clouds, smog, windows and even deep down in your skin. The rest are UVB-rays and they are responsible for providing the skin with enough energy to produce vitamin D and in turn create melanin that tan our skin. Your sunscreen product must protect against all of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Unfortunately, a lot of sunscreens on the market only contain protection against UVB. We believe that UVA-rays are just as dangerous as they go deep into the dermis, the thickest layer of the skin, virtually unnoticed. This is where all skin cell regeneration takes place, and the dermis also contains elastin and collagen that enable the skin to thrive. When UVA-rays reach the dermis, they start producing free radicals, which over time can lead to premature ageing of the skin, sun eczema, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer.
What SPF should I use?
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) tells you how much of the UV-rays the product filters away from your skin. There is a huge difference between SPF 2 and 20, but after that there is only about a few percent margin. This is why we don’t see a point in using SPF higher than 20 in our products. If you still prefer a stronger SPF, you may choose to apply our product in several layers. The more you rub in, the more solid the cover.
How do I protect my child from the sun?
Physical UV-filters are today the only substances that are documented harmless to apply to the skin. Titanium dioxide is recommended by dermatologists and it can also be used safely on children. However, children under the age of three should not be in the sun at all.